Samara Fund

Housed at the Vermont Community Foundation, the Fund aims to create a vibrant Vermont LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) community and ensure that LGBTQ Vermonters are connected, healthy, appreciated, safe, and empowered. The Fund, named for the symbolism of seeds and growth, new life and vitality, the continuity of life, and of Vermontís sugar maples, whose winged fruit gently spins its way to earth. The Fund accepts applications for projects or organizations that serve the LGBTQ community or support HIV/AIDS services or prevention at the grassroots level. Non-LGBTQ identified organizations are encouraged to seek support for projects that directly serve Vermontís LGBTQ community. Priority will be given to proposals in the following categories: proposals serving youth, elders, or transgender Vermonters; those serving rural areas outside of Chittenden County; those addressing basic human needs in the LGBTQ community; those that seek to increase community safety and decrease all forms of violence, and those that enhance youth development and leadership skills. Requests for general operating support from LGBTQ or HIV/AIDS service and prevention organizations are the Fundís top priorities. Additional information can be found on the Web site.